Dictionary
toughen
verb tough·en \ˈtə-fən\
: to make (something) stricter or to become stricter
: to make (someone) physically or emotionally stronger or to become physically or emotionally stronger
tough·enedtough·en·ing \ˈtə-fə-niŋ, ˈtəf-niŋ\
Full Definition of TOUGHEN
transitive verb
: to make tough
intransitive verb
: to become tough
See toughen defined for English-language learners
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First Known Use of TOUGHEN
1582
Related to TOUGHEN
- Synonyms
- beef (up), fortify, harden, strengthen
- Antonyms
- debilitate, enervate, enfeeble, weaken
TOUGHENED Defined for Kids
toughen
verb tough·en \ˈtə-fən\
tough·enedtough·en·ing
Definition of TOUGHEN for Kids
: to make or become tough <Going barefoot toughened my feet.>
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